Pasta with Turkey Bolognese and Side Salad

Ingredients

• ground turkey 4 oz
• whole wheat pasta 1 cup
• marinara sauce 0.5 cup
• mixed greens salad 1 cup
• olive oil 1 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare Ingredients. Gather all ingredients. Measure 4 oz of ground turkey, 1 cup cooked whole wheat pasta, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup mixed greens, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
   Tip: If pasta is not cooked, boil it according to package instructions before starting.
2. Cook Ground Turkey. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 5-7 minutes).
   Tip: Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
3. Add Marinara Sauce. Pour 1/2 cup marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked turkey. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors and heat through.
   Tip: Simmer gently to avoid splattering and to deepen the sauce flavor.
4. Heat Pasta. If the whole wheat pasta is already cooked but cold, briefly warm it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or toss it in a pan with the sauce for a minute.
   Tip: Warming the pasta with the sauce helps the flavors meld.
5. Prepare Side Salad. Place 1 cup of mixed greens in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
   Tip: Add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor if desired.
6. Serve. Place the warmed whole wheat pasta on a plate. Spoon the turkey bolognese sauce evenly over the pasta. Serve the dressed mixed greens salad on the side.
   Tip: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or chopped herbs if available.

Pro tips

• Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish healthy and reduce fat content.
• Simmer the sauce gently to enhance the flavor without burning.